Democratic Senator Refuses to Sign Equality Bill Over Inclusion of Trans Rights
Only one Democratic Senator has refused to sign a landmark bill that would protect LGBT+ from discrimination, reports the Advocate.
The bill, if passed, would update the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and add gender identity and sexual orientation as protected characteristics. The bill would also protect trans students at schools from being discriminated against, which would include them being forced to use the wrong locker room, participate on the wrong sports team, etc.
Sen. Joe Manchin has objected to the bill because of the inclusion of trans rights. He argues that he is “not convinced that the Equality Act as written provides sufficient guidance to the local officials who will be responsible for implementing it, particularly with respect to students transitioning between genders in public schools."
Adding, “I strongly support equality for all people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. No one should be afraid of losing their job or losing their housing because of their sexual orientation.”
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